Ravenwood Drive Christmas Display Invites Public For "Fill the Sleigh" Food Drive

Extravagant Christmas displays are back at the Glasbergen’s as they are inviting the public to tour their grounds and support their “Fill the Sleigh” food drive in support of St. Vincent de Paul this Friday.

Photo courtesy of Braden Glasbergen.

Their Christmas display, known as ‘Seasons on Ravenwood’ is one of four larger-than-life exhibits — with Easter, summer and Halloween as the other displays — the family does annually.

Walkways are created to guide visitors through their front lawn to view the display filled with ornaments, lights, signs and more. The family has requested everyone not to touch the decorations because of its fragility. Anyone driving by is also requested to stop and see the display to not disrupt traffic flow and for everyone’s safety.

Jenn (left) and Braden Glasbergen (right) with their Halloween ghost ship as one of thier biggest displays of the year. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Visitors are encouraged to take photos of the displays and with Santa who will make an appearance.

“We love expressing the joy of the Christmas season through lights and decorations and getting to experience visitors' faces when they come to visit makes it worthwhile,” said Braden Glasbergen. “Everyone shows their love of the displays in different ways, the excitement that the little ones share when they run towards the lights or point out Santa on the balcony to the seniors who slow down in their cars and smile at the nutcrackers and reindeer.”

The family is collecting non-perishable goods for St. Vincent de Paul and encourages anyone who visits to bring items to their drop-off box.

“Sharing our seasons with the community and having the community share back with their food donations allows the feeling to go full circle, helping others while having some fun,” said Glasbergen.

The Glasbergen’s display is on 1723 Ravenwood Dr. and is open to the public from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday.

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Peterborough Regional Health Centre Names Upcoming President, CEO

Dr. Lynn Mikula has been selected as President and CEO of Peterborough Regional Health Centre, taking on the new position starting March 31 announced in a virtual press conference on Monday.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Regional Health Centre.

She holds an MD CM from McGill University and a surgical residency and fellowship at the University of Toronto. She also has an MSc in cancer genetics from the University of Toronto, and a Master of Management from McGill.

The hospital in a press release says she “brings with her a vast wealth of knowledge, experience and strong personal and professional connections with both the Health Centre and the Peterborough community she calls home.”

During her time at PRHC she has held the roles of Chief of Surgery, Chief of Staff, Chief Medical Executive and Executive Vice President. She lives in Peterborough with her husband and their three children.

“I am thrilled and honoured to have been selected,” says Dr. Mikula. “I am constantly inspired by the people of PRHC, who bring so much dedication, passion and skill to their work every day. The last few years have had their challenges, but working together, I’m confident that we will emerge as a regional hospital that is leading the way with partnership, innovation, and above all, a focus on excellent care. I’d like to thank the Board of Directors for their confidence in my leadership and my vision. I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity.”

Throughout the recruitment process, the PRHC says they received a number of submissions and conducted interviews with multiple candidates. While the competition was substantial, they say Dr. Mikula ultimately demonstrated herself to be the frontrunner.

“I think what we can say about Dr. Mikula is that her energy, drive and vision for this organization were unmatched during the search process, and that her reputation and track record as a leader are second to none,” says Robert Gibson, chair of PRHC’s board of directors. “She has an in-depth understanding of the current challenges in healthcare and a clear vision for acute healthcare in Peterborough, and she sees a path forward to a vibrant and exciting future for PRHC. We are so pleased to have identified a candidate who embodies all of the qualities we and our stakeholders have been seeking, and to have found those qualities in an individual who has a strong, established history with PRHC and our community.”

Dr. Mikula is taking the role of the current CEO Dr. Laughlin, who is planning his retirement after working at the hospital for 17 years.

The City of Peterborough 2022-2023 Winter Fun Guide Is Now Available

The City of Peterborough Recreation Services is offering a variety of recreational programs and services for people of all ages and abilities through there 2022-2023 Winter Fun Guide.

File photo.

This is the online guide to City-run recreational and leisure programs that take place in City facilities, such as the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre, community arenas, the Peterborough Public Library, the Peterborough Museum and Archives and the Art Gallery of Peterborough. 

Copies of the Winter 2023 Fun Guide are available at the following locations starting on Dec. 7:

  • City Hall – 500 George St. N.

  • Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre – 775 Brealey Dr.

  • Healthy Planet Arena – 911 Monaghan Rd.

  • Kinsmen Civic Centre – 1 Kinsmen Way

  • Peterborough Public Library – 345 Aylmer St. N.

  • Peterborough Museum and Archives – 300 Hunter St. E.

  • Art Gallery of Peterborough – 250 Crescent St.

Registration for winter instructional swimming or skating lessons, martial arts, dance, adult fitness and sports takes place on Dec. 14 starting at 7 a.m., or one day earlier for Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre members starting on Dec. 13 at 7 a.m. 

Registering is fast and easy online at peterborough.ca/register, by phone at 705-742-0050, or in person at the Sport and Wellness Centre, 775 Brealey Dr.

For more information, contact Recreation Services customer service at 705-742-0050.


8 Things To Do In-and-Around Peterborough This Weekend; Dec. 9 - 11

Photo courtesy of Farmhill Weddings and Events.

Santa Claus is coming to town!

Get into the holiday spirit with a number of events in Peterborough City and County this weekend.

 

Have brunch with Santa and Kitchen Farmacy at Farmhill’s ‘Naughty or Nice Santa Brunch’

The event is back for the third year in a row at the Farmhill venue in Keene, in partnership with multiple local businesses.

Start the morning off with a moment with Santa Claus (Santa Brian), captured by Wild Lace Photography, then head in for a buffet-style, farm-to-table country brunch from Kitchen Farmacy.

Afterwards, enjoy a stroll around the farm or join in on a guided alpaca tour and take part in a mess-free kids’ Christmas craft.

Tickets: Available online here.

When: Sun. Dec. 11, 9 a.m.

Where: Farmhill Weddings + Events, 2709 Dillon Rd. Peterborough, ON.

 

Carole with the Donkeys at PrimRose Donkey Sanctuary!

Come to the Donkey Sanctuary to meet the amazing animals and shop calendars and confectioneries. Complimentary refreshments are available. Admission is free but donations are gratefully accepted (charitable tax receipts available).

When: Sat. Dec. 10, 1 p.m.

Where: Primrose Donkey Sanctuary, 1296 Bowmanton Rd. RR 4 Roseneath, ON.

 

Join the Art Gallery of Peterborough’s Digital Publication Launch

Join the Art Gallery of Peterborough to launch their first digital publication documenting Brad Copping’s 2016 exhibition!

This digital publication offers a dynamic experience with image, video and audio, as well as writing by Spencer J. Harrison and AGP curator Fynn Leitch.

Celebrate the launch with a casual panel discussion about the project while exploring the digital site. Refreshments will be served in the Gallery Shop.

When: Sat. Dec. 10, 2 p.m.

Where: Art Gallery of Peterborough, 250 Crescent St. Peterborough, ON.

 

Get into the Christmas spirit at Charlea’s Riverside Gardens!

Celebrate the holidays at Charlea’s! There will be Christmas workshops, Christmas trees for sale, a makers market, food trucks and beverages, live music and more.

Food competitions will take place every Saturday, and Santa visits are every Sunday.

When: Sat. and Sun. Dec. 10, Dec. 11, 11 a.m.

Where: Charlea’s Riverside Gardens, 4115 County Rd. 32, Douro, ON.

 

Enjoy a magical holiday show at Showplace’s 19th annual A Cozy Christmas

The Foley Family and musical friends bring you the 19th annual Christmas concert. You'll hear favourite seasonal songs by Bridget Foley and the Gospel Girls (and guys), Sheila Prophet, Norma Curtis, Theresa Foley, Amelia Foley, Colleen Anthony (Foley), Victoria Yeh, Vera Vandermey, Danny Bronson, Steve Lynch and the Stage Cafe Band, Glen Carradus, Bob Trennum and so many more, all designed to get you and your family into the Christmas spirit.

All proceeds from this concert will be sent to a school in Africa that Foley works with to pay teachers salaries. There will also be a "Christmas Village" set in the Nexicom Studio where you can browse and purchase lovely hand crafted gift items and bid on silent auction items from many small businesses.

Tickets: Available online here.

When: Sun. Dec. 11, 2 p.m.

Where: Showplace Performance Centre, 290 George St. Peterborough, ON.

 

Jam out with Ty Wilson & the River Spirits with vanCamp & Caitlin Currie!

Join Ty Wilson & the River Spirits, vanCamp & the Skeleton Crew and Caitlin Currie for some indie, folk and country music at The Gordon Best Christmas show!

Tickets: Available online or $10 at the door.

When: Sat. Dec. 10, 8 p.m.

Where: Gordon Best Theatre, 216 Hunter St. W Peterborough, ON.

 

Be mystified at the Champions of Magic show!

Break away from the screen and experience live entertainment like never before with Champions Of Magic – an evening of impossible illusions and spectacular special effects. Described by the press as ‘The Avengers of magic’ catch the only team of magicians in the world as they present their original, phenomenal ensemble illusions at the Peterborough Memorial Centre.

Tickets: Available online here.

When: Fri. Dec. 9, 7 p.m.

Where: Peterborough Memorial Centre, 151 Lansdowne St. Peterborough, ON.

 

Do some Christmas shopping at the Community Christmas Market!

For two days only, the Bridge Youth Centre will be hosting a Community Christmas Market featuring local vendors and artisans to bless our community and create some Christmas cheer! This is a community event and all are welcome.

When: Fri. and Sat. Dec. 9 from 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. and Dec. 10 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Where: The Bridge Youth Centre, 256 Brock St. Peterborough, ON.

Peterborough Woman Writes Grief Memoir on the Death of Teenaged Friend

To help cope with her best friend’s tragic death, Patti Kimball wrote and published her book ‘Siren on Repeat: What My Best Friend’s Death Taught Me About Hope and Grief’ describing the story of grief and loss of Aprile McIntosh at the age of 14.

Aprile and Patti in January 1988. Photo courtesy of Patti Kimball.

In 1988, Kimball’s best friend died suddenly from a congenital heart condition.

“Aprile was the most cheerful, outgoing (person),” says Kimball. “The laughter just never stopped when you were around her.”

She says her fondest memories of McIntosh include dance parties at Club 404 in Peterborough, movie nights and shopping trips.

“We would all gather around and we dance a lot, we laughed, those were just really, really fun moments,” recalls Kimball. “We would go to those places and we would dance our hearts out for at least a good four hours.”

Photo courtesy of Patti Kimball.

On the day of her passing in February of 1988, Kimball recalls staying home sick that day and starting to feel better around 5 p.m. She received a phone call around 6:50 p.m. from McIntosh, asking if she wanted to go to the dance club with her and a couple of other friends.

“I told her I was not going to be able to go out, there was no way that my mom and dad were going to allow me to do that after I had been sick all day.”

“‘Are you sure that I can’t see you for just five minutes Pat? That’s all I need,’ and I said ‘Yeah I’m sure,’” Kimball continues. “Then she said ‘Pat? You’re the best, never forget it, and I’ll see you soon.’”

By 7:04 p.m., Kimball says, the ambulance had shot down her street. She lived at the top end of the same street as McIntosh, with her house at the bottom end.

“When the ambulance went by, I just got this really unsettling feeling that I couldn’t really figure out,” she describes.

Kimball recalls shaking off those bad feelings and going to bed. When she woke up in the morning she prepared to call McIntosh after breakfast.

“I went over and I start dialling her number, and I hadn’t even finished when I received a knock on my door from another friend, who came and said ‘Patti, it’s Aprile.’ I said ‘I knew it, I knew there was something wrong. What hospital is she in?’ and she just shook her head and told me it’s worse than the hospital, and at that point I knew exactly what happened,” says Kimball.

McIntosh had a congenital heart condition; she had multiple holes through the chambers of her heart, and had been in and out of hospital for many years according to Kimball.

While walking to catch the bus, she collapsed.

Kimball’s self-published novel ‘Siren on Repeat: What My Best Friends Death Taught Me About Hope and Grief’

Along with her group of loyal friends, McIntosh was survived by a sister, brother and two parents.

“All of us friends showed up to all three (visitations), together. It was about loyalty, and if that was any one of us Aprile would’ve done the exact same thing,” said Kimball. “We weren’t not going to be there for her or her family. We were there for all of it. None of us bailed out on her.”

As the years progressed, Kimball went on to graduate from a Social Service Worker program, working as a practical nurse with a focus on community nursing. She is also an Emotional Health Practitioner, a certified Mindset and Emotional Wellness coach trained in the Emotional Wellness Technique.

“When Aprile died it changed me forever. I became more compassionate and more empathetic,” said Kimball. “I gravitated to the helping professions, which is why I went into nursing and I’m a mindset and emotional wellness coach.”

Kimball’s call to help others, as well as processing her own grief, is what led her to write.

“There is not a right or wrong way to grief. I certainly don’t have all the answers but I wanted to be able to share what my experiences were so that someone else who’s reading it may be able to look at where they’re at in their own grief journey and be able to ‘do’ grief on their own terms,” said Kimball. “I wrote many poems processing my grief during that time period, and each time I sat down and I completed one I felt better. Then a few days later I would get this nudge that would tell me I had a lot more to say.”

This was when Kimball says she began writing Siren on Repeat.

“I wanted to honour her memory, and focus on who she was- and not her illness-, the legacy she left behind and the importance of human connection and what friendship really means. The power of those connections can get us to work through the grief and the pain that we’re feeling,” she continues. “The readers will step into my carefree, adolescent days of friendship, experience the shock and trauma of a grieving teenager and follow along my healing journey, to be able to leave the reader with a sense of inspiration.”

The self-published book was released on Oct. 31.

“Through the years I saw so many young people struggling with grief and loss, and I was one of those kids, so I felt a responsibility to support others through grief and loss because I lived it. I knew by sharing my story it may be exactly what someone else needs to hear,” said Kimball.

‘Siren, On Repeat: What My Best Friend’s Death Taught Me About Hope and Grief’ is a memoir that heals through storytelling, offering hope to the reader and author alike by dissecting her grief and honouring the memory of McIntosh.

Those interested in reading Kimball’s novel can click this link.

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Community Care Peterborough Celebrates International Volunteer Day on Dec. 5

Community Care Peterborough (CCP) is celebrating the impact its volunteers have in the lives of community members through International Volunteer Day (IVD) for Monday.

Selwyn Volunteer Driver Bill Sova goes the extra mile, decorating his vehicle for the holidays to bring extra joy to transportation clients. Photo courtesy of Community Care Peterborough.

Volunteers deliver Meals on Wheels, drop off groceries, drive clients to appointments, call and visit with them, provide well-being check-ins and more. Most rides take place locally and to neighbouring communities, but transportation to medical appointments outside of the County of Peterborough can be arranged.

With volunteer support, clients are able to live independently at home and out of hospitals and long-term care facilities.

“I am continually amazed and impressed by all that they do, and I know that volunteer contributions have huge impacts on the lives of so many,” said Darci Maude, CCP’s volunteer development coordinator. “We thank our volunteers for their continued support.”

Each day, the efforts of over 650 volunteers make it possible for over 6,200 seniors and adults with physical challenges to receive a wide variety of programs and services.

CCP’s clients say that transportation services help them remain independent and connected with the community.

“The transportation services provided are critical to my ability to lead a fairly normal life. Also, I’ve gained new friendships and have been given opportunities to expand my social connections. Transportation services have been so crucial for my psychological health, too,” said a client who receives drives through CCP’s Transportation Program.

To learn more about CCP’s IVD efforts or to get involved, visit the website.

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8 Things To Do In-and-Around Peterborough This Weekend; Dec. 2 - 4

File Photo.

‘Tis the season!

Whether you’re looking for a cozy family fun or a night out on the big stage, there are a number of events in Peterborough City and County this weekend.

 

Cheer on your Peterborough Petes against the North Bay Battalion

The Peterborough Petes are taking on the North Bay Battalion during Hockey for All night at the PMC this Saturday.

Tickets: Available online here.

When: Sat., Dec. 3. 7:05 p.m.

Where: Peterborough Memorial Centre, 151 Lansdowne St., Peterborough, ON.

 

Come see the ‘The Little Prince’ on the Peterborough Theatre Guild stage!

‘The Little Prince’ adapted by Rick Cummins and John Scoullar is coming to the Peterborough Theatre Guild!

After an aviator descends from the sky to find himself in the middle of the Sahara Desert he meets the Little Prince, a young hero on an extraordinary adventure. The story depicts Little Prince on his journey as he meets many fascinating characters who help him learn the magic in a sunset and how to follow your heart.

Masking is encouraged at all performances.

Tickets: $10 and are available here.

When: Fri., Dec. 2, 7 p.m. & Sat. and Sun. Dec. 3, Dec. 4, 1 p.m.

Where: Peterborough Theatre Guild, 364 Roger St. Peterborough, ON.

 

Get into the Christmas spirit at Charlea’s Riverside Gardens!

Celebrate the holidays at Charlea’s! There will be Christmas workshops, Christmas trees for sale, a makers market, food trucks and beverages, live music and more.

Food competitions will take place every Saturday, and Santa visits are every Sunday.

When: Sat. and Sun. Dec. 3, Dec. 4, 11 a.m.

Where: Charlea’s Riverside Gardens, 4115 County Rd. 32, Douro, ON.

 

Enjoy the CATS Musical performance at the Peterborough Memorial Centre

The record-breaking musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber, which has captivated audiences in over 30 countries and 15 languages, is now on tour across North America.

Winner of seven Tony Awards, CATS tells the story of one magical night when tribe of cats gathers for an annual ball to rejoice and decide which cat will be reborn. Audiences and critics alike are rediscovering this beloved musical with breathtaking music, including one of the most treasured songs in musical theatre; ‘Memory’.

Tickets: Available online here.

When: Fri. Dec. 2, 8 p.m.

Where: Peterborough Memorial Centre, 151 Lansdowne St., Peterborough, ON.

 

Join the Christmas festivities at the 47th Kinsmen Santa Claus Parade!

After two years off due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 47th Kinsmen Santa Claus Parade returns to Peterborough on Dec. 3.

The theme will be ‘Christmas Around the World.’ The parade will begin at 4:45 p.m. at Peterborough City Hall, making its way down George Street and ending on Prince Street.

When: Sat., Dec. 3, 4:45 p.m.

Where: Peterborough City Hall, 500 George St. N Peterborough, ON.

 

Enjoy a sensory-friendly Santa experience at the Lansdowne Place Mall!

Autism Speaks is partnering with Cherry Hill Programs again this holiday season to provide sensory-friendly Santa Experiences for families across the country!

Santa welcomes children of all ages and abilities. All families with children with autism and other special needs can enjoy the time-honored tradition of a visit with Santa, in a more subdued and calm environment.

Sensory-friendly Santa events are free and keepsake photo packages will be available for purchase.

Tickets: Reserve your spot here.

When: Sun., Dec. 4, 8:30 a.m.

Where: Lansdowne Place Mall, 645 Lansdowne St. W Peterborough, ON.

 

Experience Christmas by Candlelight at Lang Pioneer Village

Learn about early Christmas traditions and how they changed with the progression of time during Christmas by Candlelight!

Enjoy wagon rides, village carolers, reindeer games for kids, tasty treats and more!

When: Sat. and Sun. Dec. 3, Dec. 4, 4 p.m.

Where: Lang Pioneer Village, 104 Lange Rd. Keene, ON.

 

Have brunch with Santa and Kitchen Farmacy at Farmhill’s ‘Naughty or Nice Santa Brunch’

The event is back for the third year in a row at the Farmhill venue in Keene, in partnership with multiple local businesses.

Start the morning off with a moment with Santa Claus (Santa Brian), captured by Wild Lace Photography, then head in for a buffet-style, farm-to-table country brunch from Kitchen Farmacy.

Afterwards, enjoy a stroll around the farm or join in on a guided alpaca tour and take part in a mess-free kids’ Christmas craft.

Tickets: Available online here.

When: Sun. Dec. 4, 9 a.m.

Where: Farmhill Weddings + Events, 2709 Dillon Rd. Peterborough, ON.

Havelock Lions Club President Passes Away at 48

Havelock Lions Club president Brian ‘Gratz’ Grattan passed away at the age of 48 at the Peterborough Regional Health Centre on Monday.

Facebook photo.

Grattan has been a member of the Lions club for over 25 years and was actively involved with children’s sports. He was heavily invested in the Havelock Lions, Havelock Minor Hockey and Havelock Express Softball as a volunteer coach.

The Lions Club made a Facebook post on Tuesday announcing the news and made the following statement:

“It’s with heavy hearts and great sadness that our club announces the passing of our president Lion Brian Grattan.

Lion Brian was a valued and respected member of the Havelock Lions Club for over 25 years. His positive impact and contribution to the club and his community will be greatly missed by anyone who has had the privilege of his acquaintance and friendship. Over the course of holding numerous leadership positions within the club, Lion Brian was the very definition of our motto “We Serve.”

A Melvin Jones fellow & a recognized authority on Lions traditions and camaraderie, he was the reliable source to bring out the laughter or light up the room. His reputation for honesty & dedication is well-earned and appreciated by all who knew him. His passing leaves a tragic void within our club and within our community that he was so deeply proud of.”

“Brian lived his life with the Lions’ clubs motto at the forefront,” said MPP Dave Smith. “He served. He served his community with the same love that a father shows to his children. My heart goes out to his family in their time of loss. I hope that they can draw comfort in the knowledge that so many people in the Havelock area have benefitted by the work he did and the passion he showed in serving his community.”

His funeral is scheduled for 1 p.m. at Brett's Funeral Chapel in Havelock on Thursday. The club is inviting anyone to attend the Havelock Lions Hall on 39 George St. following the service.

Visitation hours are from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and again from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday. Friday’s hours are from 11 a.m.- 1 p.m.

There is a Lions service at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday.

Donations can be made to Havelock Minor Hockey, Havelock Express Baseball or the Havelock Lions Club in honour of Gratton in lieu of flowers. The family requested visitors to wear Toronto Maple Leafs jerseys or blue and white in honour of his favourite NHL team.

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PTBOCanada Featured Post: Explore PTBO With Patrick McAuley; The Pin

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Registration Now Open for Social Procurement Information Sessions in Peterborough

Register and join a virtual information session on how the City of Peterborough’s recently-updated Procurement By-Law introduces social procurement priorities into decision making on City purchases on Dec. 6 or Jan. 11.

File photo.

Social procurement is a way for the City of Peterborough to elevate the social, economic, cultural and environmental impact by leveraging existing procurement activities to achieve positive social value outcomes.

Peterborough City Council voted on Sept. 26 to update the City’s Procurement By-Law to include social procurement, and the City has since started a three-year social procurement implementation strategy.

The City is offering information sessions on the social procurement policy and implementation. Anyone is welcome to join from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. on both Dec. 6 and Jan. 11, but the content will be of particular interest to any current or potential vendors to the City of Peterborough.

The City will be email a link and call-in number to the meeting, either of which can be used to join virtually. Both information sessions will be held on Microsoft Teams.

  • During this engagement, you will:

  • Learn about the policy updates

  • Prepare for social procurement implementation

  • Have the opportunity to ask questions

To join:

  • Download the latest version of Microsoft Teams

  • Arrive a few minutes early

  • Be prepared to explore new possibilities together

  • Bring your questions

Register using the City of Peterborough’s website.

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